Work package 1

In WP 1, RAMs for soil threats erosion, salinisation, organic matter decline, compaction and landslides are collected, as currently employed in the EU-25, and stored in a uniform way in a free web accessible database. RAMs will be collected on the basis of the consortium own data, web searches, literature reviews, and an enquiry among EU25 member states.

Leader

Participants

Start date

End Date

Objectives

1. Development of a methodology to analyze risk assessment
2. Review of RAMs
3. Collection of background documentation
4. Construction of questionnaires
5. Construction of database
6. Assessment of questionnaire response

Description of work

1. Actions Development of a methodology to analyze risk assessment. This methodology will involve general characteristics of the RAMs viz. type, parameterization, schematization, coverage, but also topics like complexity, level of integration of threats and compatibility. The guidelines for RAMs will include QA/QC issues and criteria such as accessibility, level of completeness, ambiguousness, transparency, level of scientific evidence and support and documentation. The methodology of risk assessment is developed during the kick-off meeting. Alterra will prepare the methodology.
2. Inventory of risk assessment methodologies in the EU for agriculturally used soils by consulting national communications through EEA and by research for national specific information.
3. Review of inventory with regional experts (partners) and collection of background documentation.
4. Construction of questionnaires to be sent to the national representatives to obtain data on implementation of RAMs, scientific basis and specific national interests. The questionnaires are complementary to the inventory. The questionnaires are sent to at least one contact person per country. We include all those government bodies that are necessary to cover all mentioned topics. To ensure maximum response to the questionnaire the 5 step approach of p. 16 is followed.
5. Construction of a user friendly database using INSPIRE structures and feeding it with data from inventory and questionnaires. Based on the information gathered in WPs 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 a tailor made (i.e. adapted to the needs of the project) database structure will be developed. The structure will be such that adequate documentation and accessibility and storage of underlying knowledge are guaranteed. The structure will allow efficient searching for threats, methodologies, scientific basis, rationale and national background documentation. Where appropriate and possible, the Geo-Portal will link to national portals and to sector specific data and services. All connections to services in the Member States, Accession Countries and participating organisations are based on these standards and specifications. The Geo-Portal publishes and provides access to metadata and data, and allows the delivery, viewing and analysis of geographic information. The user is able to discover and view the maps of his/her choice.
6. Assessment of questionnaire response. The results of the questionnaires are added to the database. If necessary additional information is obtained via direct contact or from documentation provided or on websites of governments. The final database is released.